Krakatau Islands

In the afternoon of 26th August 1883 Mt. Krakatau suddenly erupted with such cataclysmic force that its boom could be heard in Burma to far away Australia. The next day, massive volcanic materials blasted so high causing a gaping gash in its crater and the mountain imploded and sank. The boiling sea brought about huge tsunami waves of more than 10 meters high, devastating the towns of Banten and Anyer on Java and Lampung on Sumatra, wiping out their entire population. The tsunami waves spread throughout the Indian Ocean, and was said to be felt even as far away as France. While Krakatau’s volcanic ash was reported to circle the earth’s atmosphere, creating spectacular sunsets around the globe for two years.

Today, where once stood the mighty Krakatau volcano, a number of idyllic small tropical islands are left in the Sunda Straits between the island of Java and Sumatra. These are the Krakatau islands which consist of Rakata or Krakatau Besar (Large Krakatau), Panjang or Krakatau Kecil (Small Krakatau),Sertung and the Anak Krakatau (The child of Krakatau). While the islands of Rakata, Sertung and Panjang are remnants of the ancient Mount Krakatau, Anak Krakatau is an active volcano that surfaced only in 1927 and incredibly, still continues to grow as a result of volcanic activities below.

Administratively, the Krakatau Islands are located within the sub-district of Rajabasa, South Lampung, in Lampung Province on Sumatra. But, in fact they form part of the Ujung Kulon – Krakatau Nattional Park, which is recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage site.

Marveling at the remnants of the Mighty Mount Krakatau, and observing its successor “Anak Krakatau” are certainly top activities in your priority list. While you are within the area, you can also explore its unique collection of flora which consists of: 206 kinds of Fungi, 13 kinds of Lichenes, 61 Pteridophyta and about 257 kinds of Spermatophyta. You may also come across some of the animals that inhabit the harsh terrain of the volcanic islands including various snakes, lizards, sea turtles, bats and others. Here are other activities that you can do around the nature reserve complex:

Sertung Island
Here, aside from admiring the stunning scenery, visitors can swim, dive, and surf on its water.

Rakata (Krakatau Besar) Island
Visitor can enjoy existing wall climbing as an addition to the varying water activities.

Panjang (Krakatau Kecil) Island
On the south west of the island you can find an unspoiled coral reef along with its beautiful collection of fishes and other marine life.

Anak Krakatau Island
The main attraction of the entire nature reserve, Anak Krakatau offers its own sensation for scientists and general visitors alike. Aside from scientific research and observations, visitors can simply set foot on the beach and feel the hot black volcanic sands on beneath your feet. Try scaling this new volcano to the top where you can now find fresh vegetation that has started to grow on this once barren land.